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The procurement of the Rafale M fighter jets is expected to enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities.
A Rafale Marine fighter jet taxis on the flight deck of France’s Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier operating in the Mediterranean Sea. India and France are set to finalize the Rafale Marine fighter jet deal in April 2025. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
India and France are set to finalise a major defense deal for the Rafale M fighter jets on April 28, defence ministry sources speaking to CNN-News18 said.
The deal was earlier approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and is expected to enhance India’s maritime defence capabilities. The French Defence Minister is scheduled to visit India on April 27 ahead of the deal’s official signing.
A report by Reuters said that the Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the navy’s aircraft fleet mainly comprises Russian MiG-29 jets.
The Rafale M is a multirole fighter that can execute air superiority, ground attack, anti-ship and reconnaissance missions, according to media reports. The fighter jets are capable of nuclear delivery and equipped with Meteor missiles and AESA radar.
The Rafale M can supercruise at speeds above Mach 1 without using afterburners, making it more fuel-efficient and effective during extended missions.
Equipped with in-flight refueling capability, it enables extended range for maritime patrols and deep strike operations which is ideal for India’s vast maritime boundaries.
It also features the Spectra Electronic Warfare System for active protection and can be used countering incoming missiles and hostile radar.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved a ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring the fighter jets equipped to launch precision-guided munitions (PGMs), including laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles and air-to-ground munitions.
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